THE reader will readily understand that it was impossible for us to give more than a very brief sketch (and that of a most meager and imperfect character), in such a small work as this, of the labors and triumphs of this well-known and beloved missionary. To those who are wishful to know more of his devoted work in the mission field, we would refer them to that excellent work published last year by Messrs. Hodder & Stoughton—a work to which we express our great indebtedness for many facts and incidents herein recorded.
In consequence of a new mission ship being required, it was deemed necessary, for the furtherance of that object, that Paton should visit the churches of Great Britain. The sum of £6000 was to be the aim of this undertaking. An enterprise of such stupendous magnitude would have staggered the faith and cooled the ardor of any other man. But remembering the mercies of the past, the successful work he had accomplished, under God, on his last visit to Scotland, how the hand of the Lord had been with him to strengthen and uphold in his mission labors at Aniwa, Paton accepted the commission. Possessing a faith “that laughs at impossibilities, and cries, It shall be done, "Paton enters upon this never to be forgotten mission. In 1864 he comes to our" happy England” to plead his cause. That his reception was all that could be desired by this honored servant of God, is evidenced by the fact that amongst his most cordial supporters and most willing helpers were to be found the names of Dr. Oswald Dykes, C. H. Spurgeon, George Muller, the Hon. Ion Keith Falconer, Earl and Countess of Aberdeen, Lord Radstock, Rev. F. B. Meyer, T. W. Houghton, Lord and Lady Polwarth, Rev. Sholto Douglas, etc., etc.
One incident in connection with this memorable visit we must not omit. On visiting the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon at Norwood he was welcomed by that famous preacher with that humor and ready wit that only he could use, as "The king of the cannibals," at the same time being presented by Mrs. Spurgeon with that valued "Treasury of David" and a donation from the "cols fund." One values even such a small incident as this, when it is remembered that the hearts of all Christendom were at the time watching with intense anxiety the progress being made towards recovery by that gifted and God-blessed preacher.
As we have already stated, the mission to Britain was to raise £6000. After spending a year and a half in our midst, God so prospered the work of His servants, so inclined the hearts of the givers, that when Paton returned to Australia he was enabled to hand over to the Church, that had given him the authority for his work, no less a sum than £9,000. Perusing this godly life, witnessing his triumphs and successes, can we not say he has indeed been used of God? Shall not the records of this life teach us that the influence of good men lives after them—it is part of their immortality? God will not let good seed be lost. The harvest in the end will astonish the reapers.
And now, with the outlines of this sanctified life lying fresh upon our memories, does not the question come with forcible appeal to us individually: What can I do? What can I do?
As I stood upon the seashore the other day, gazing across the world of waters, a little tiny wave came rippling at my feet, and I thought, "Ah! it is ever so. If God sends into the world His beautiful singers who will sing us songs the world will never let die—if God sends into the world His great musicians, who trill out to us sweet music—if He sends into the world His great artists, who, with their divine and immortal fingers light up the dull canvas with rare and unspeakable beauty—if He sends His orators, who with silver tongues from pulpit, platform, and desk nerve the hearts of the people to nobler deeds of daring, He also sends humbler children like you and me, to live nobly, act righteously, and glorify Him with all the marvelous powers with which He has endowed us.”
Let this simple story of the life-work of a wonderful man of God speak to your heart, my reader, and if it should be that till now you have never really owned Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, confess His holy name at this moment of privilege and opportunity. Remember you cannot serve the Savior until you really know Him, but when you do, then all the mighty possibilities of a John G. Paton's life may be yours also, and you may have the joy of serving the same Master.